Sydney, Australia – Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge delivered a surprising ninth-place finish at the Sydney Marathon, clocking 2:08:31, well outside his world-beating best. Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros won the men’s race in a course-record 2:06:06, while Dutch-Ethiopian Sifan Hassan broke the women’s record in 2:18:22, overtaking Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei.

Kipchoge’s Reflections

At 39, Kipchoge suggested Sydney could be one of his last elite appearances. He downplayed the result, telling reporters: “I have achieved everything I set out to achieve. My goal now is to inspire and empower others.” He praised the Sydney course and the crowd, framing his finish as a symbolic act of hope for younger runners.

Storied Career

Kipchoge’s legacy remains unmatched:

• 4× London Marathon champion

• 5× Berlin Marathon winner

• World record holder at 2:01:09

• First human to run a marathon in under two hours in a 2019 special event

Though no longer chasing records, Kipchoge indicated he will continue to compete selectively, with a focus on education, wildlife conservation, and global unity through sport.

Women’s Race Drama

In the women’s field, Sifan Hassan powered past former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei to win in 2:18:22, smashing the course record and underlining her growing dominance across distances.

Legacy Beyond Competition

Analysts say Kipchoge’s pivot marks a transition from record-breaking athlete to global ambassador. Even as his era on the podium wanes, his commitment to mentorship and philanthropy positions him as a central figure in the future of long-distance running.